The Historic Resources Chapter Is a New Addition to the Durham Master Plan
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Historic Resources The Historic Resources Chapter is a new addition to the Durham Master Plan. The chapter focuses on the identification and preservation of Durham’s historical resources. It includes a vision for the preservation of historical resources, followed by an overview of Durham’s history and past preservation activities. The chapter describes local, state, and federal level tools and techniques that may be utilized for future preservation activities. It concludes with specific goals and recommendations for the preservation of historical resources. HR-1 Town of Durham Master Plan Draft Our Vision Through 2025 and beyond, Durham recognizes that historical resources are irreplaceable and contribute to quality of life and sense of place. We therefore value the recognition, preservation, enhancement, and continued use of buildings, structures, burial grounds, sites, areas, districts, and roads having historical, architectural, cultural, or archeological significance to Durham. HR-2 Town of Durham Master Plan Draft Introduction HR-3 Town of Durham Master Plan Draft Durham’s Historic District Commission and Heritage Commission Historic resources, including archeological, architectural, engineering, and cultural The HDC meets monthly to review proposed changes to properties located within the heritage, are important assets in Durham that contribute to the character and quality boundaries of the Historic Overlay District in Durham (see map on page 6 of this of life in the town. The town preserves, protects, and celebrates these resources in a chapter). The HDC’s purview includes various site changes and modifications to the variety of ways. exterior appearance of structures within the Historic Overlay District including: Durham has a Historic District Commission (HDC) as well as a Heritage Commission. Alterations to existing structures The Historic District Commission (established in 1975) is a board of seven citizen Additions to existing structures volunteers appointed by the Town Council. The HDC, a quasi-judicial regulatory body, Erection of new structures administers Article XVII, the Durham Historic Overlay District of the Zoning Ordinance, Demolition of existing structures or portions of existing structures. by: The powers and duties of the HDC include (RSA 674:46-a): Safeguarding and preserving structures, places, and properties that reflect Perform research and prepare the content of the historic district ordinance elements of the cultural, social, economic, religious and political heritage of prior to its adoption or amendment the Town Adopt and amend HDC regulations Fostering the preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation of structures and Administer the ordinance and regulations within the historic district places of historical, architectural, and community value Ensure districts and regulations are compatible with the master plan and Conserving and improving the value of property within the District zoning ordinance Protecting and enhancing the attractiveness of the District to the citizens as Assume the composition and duties of the Heritage Commission. well as visitors, and thereby providing economic benefit to the Town Fostering civic pride in the beauty and noble accomplishments of the past. Members of the HDC also serve on the Town’s Heritage Commission (established in 2006). The primary duties of the Heritage Commission are to advise and assist The Historic Overlay District Ordinance can be viewed here: citizens, local boards and commissions, state and federal agencies, and others about http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/sites/default/files/fileattachments/zoning/article_17.pdf. the historical, cultural, and archaeological resources of Durham. The Heritage Commission serves in an advisory role town-wide. For more information about the HDC and Heritage Commission, see http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/boc_historic/about. HR-4 Town of Durham Master Plan Draft Foundation The Durham Historic Association During the Town of Durham’s 2011 Master Plan Survey, 84% of the 467 citizens who completed the survey indicated that they agree or strongly agree that the Town The Durham Historic Association, established in 1851, is a non-governmental should preserve historic structures in order to protect and promote historic and 501c3 organization dedicated to preserving the history of Oyster River Plantation cultural character. Seventy-three percent supported the installation of signage to and the Town of Durham. The DHA has maintained a museum on the second floor identify historic buildings and historically significant areas, while 59% supported of the old Town Hall since 1961. The Association sponsored the reprinting of local strengthening architectural design standards for the Historic District. Input from the histories including the 1913 History of Durham and the 1892 Landmarks in Ancient 90 residents who participated in the 2011 Visioning Forum indicates both recognition Dover. Additionally, the DHA wrote and published the books If Only Uncle Ben, of both the preservation of historic features and old houses in the Historic District and Letters of Mary P. Thompson; Durham New Hampshire: A History 1900-1985 and the danger of losing historical buildings. When asked “What will we look like?,” in the History in an Oystershell. In 1976, the Durham Historic Association inventoried and future, two survey respondents noted a desire to recognize the history of Great Bay mapped all private burials in Durham (with engraved stones). area and Native American culture in this area. Image 1: The Falls by John W. Hatch. A depiction of the Durham Shipyards at the Landing c.1823. Permitted for use by the Durham Community Church. HR-5 Town of Durham Master Plan Draft lay District (Source: SRPC) lay District (Source: Map 1: Durham’s Historic Over HR-6 Town of Durham Master Plan Draft Durham’s Historical Resources HR-7 Town of Durham Master Plan Draft Durham’s Resources – Historical Context Did You Know? Durham’s first meeting house was built in 1655. Located in the seacoast area of New Hampshire, Durham is bounded on the north by granted c.1650. The first Meeting House was built in 1655 at the center of Oyster River Madbury, on the east by the tidal estuary of the Piscataqua River, including Little Bay Plantation. It was situated on the south bank of the river, half-way between Little Bay and Great Bay, on the west by Lee, and on the south by Newmarket. Access to salt and the present Mill Pond dam. Events in England affected daily life at Oyster River water fisheries, timber, and the fertile land along Little Bay, Great Bay, the Oyster and its lucrative trade with Barbados and Madeira. Giant pines were felled, hauled to River, and the Lamprey River provided the impetus for early settlement in this area. rivers, and then floated down to Portsmouth and shipped out by mast convoy to the The Abenaki people occupied the land prior to and during the first 100 years of British British navy. During the English Civil War, the Massachusetts Bay Colony governed the settlement. Evidence of 17th century contact has been found throughout the Piscataqua region. After King Charles II was restored to the throne, he issued a Piscataqua region. During the last quarter of the 17th century and the first quarter of commission in 1679 to John Cutt, naming him President of New Hampshire, and local the 18th century, wars between England and France ravaged the area. Attacks on the government was restored. Historical resources include early burial grounds and roads Oyster River settlement led to residents’ efforts to drive Native Americans out of the laid out during this period as well as archaeological sites documenting Native American Piscataqua region. This area, now the Town of Durham, was a British colony for 150 occupation and the first British colonial settlements. years and one of the earliest settlements on the east coast of the United States. Historical Periods in the Development of Durham For a list of structures that are over a century old see: http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/sites/default/files/fileattachments/planningandzoning /historic_resources_chapter_-_building_list.pdf 1630-1679: The Settlement of Oyster River Plantation, Colonial and Foreign Trade Before the British arrived, Native Americans had long inhabited the area, as documented through archaeological studies and the existence of Indian graves. The first British houses and farms were built along the shores of the Oyster River, Little Bay, and Great Bay. The first mill rights on the Oyster, Lamprey, and other rivers were Image 2: The King’s Road from Oyster River Falls to Cocheco HR-8 Town of Durham Master Plan Draft Image 3: 1670 Map of Oyster River – ‘Pasacatway River in New England’ by I.S. (John Scott) in ink and water color from The British Library HR-9 Town of Durham Master Plan Draft 1680-1731: The Indian Wars, Local Economy Suffers 1732-1773: Indian Attacks Cease, Town Charter Received, Prosperity Returns Oyster River Plantation was on the front line of wars between England and New The Oyster River parish was separated from Dover when the Town Charter for Durham France (Canada) and its allies, the Abenaki indigenous people. Indian attacks and was granted in 1732. The name of Durham was chosen to make a statement to the killings within the Plantation continued for more than 50 years. William Beard, who King. It was a reference to the palatinate of Durham, which held power second only to lived at the mouth of Beards Creek, was killed by Indians in 1675. The first massacre that of the sovereign. The land area of Durham was reduced by one third when the occurred in 1689 when the Huckins garrison (on Huckins Brook by Emerson Rd) was western part of the town was granted its own Town Charter in 1766 as the town of attacked and 18 people killed. The victims were buried in the field by the high school. Lee. As the threat of Indian attacks abated, residents moved to settle new inland The Oyster River Massacre in July 1694 devastated the prosperous settlement.